Discover the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make baked cod recipe. Perfectly tender cod fillets are coated in a savory blend of spices, lightly seared, and then baked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic sauce. This dish brings together the freshness of lemon, the richness of olive oil, and the aromatic punch of garlic, creating a meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this Mediterranean Baked Cod is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into the steps and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces, 4-6 pieces
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Lemon Sauce

• 5 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoon melted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

For Coating

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ¾ teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment I Used

• Cast Iron Skillet
• Saucepan
• Shallow Bowl
• Spatula
• Spoon

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when you need to bake the fish.

Prepare the Lemon Sauce

In a shallow bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. Set this bowl aside, but do not add the garlic yet. This lemon sauce will be used both for coating the fish and for baking.

Prepare the Coating Mixture

In another shallow bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, ¾ teaspoon of sweet Spanish paprika, ¾ teaspoon of ground cumin, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the spices and flour until they are evenly distributed. Place this bowl next to the lemon sauce bowl for easy access.

Prep the Cod Fillets

Pat the 1.5 pounds of cod fillet pieces (4-6 pieces) dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a good sear. Dip each piece of fish first into the lemon sauce, making sure it’s well-coated. Then dip the fish into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the flour and spices stick to the fish. Shake off any excess flour. Reserve the remaining lemon sauce for later use.

Sear the Fish

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. (Note: You can also use butter instead of oil for searing the fish, which adds a rich flavor and works just as well.) Watch the oil closely; it should be shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the coated fish fillets to the skillet. Sear the fish for about 3 minutes on each side, just until they develop a nice golden color. The fish should not be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the skillet from the heat once all pieces are seared.

Add Garlic to Lemon Sauce

To the reserved lemon sauce, add the 5 minced garlic cloves. Mix well to combine. Drizzle this garlic-infused lemon sauce evenly over the seared fish fillets in the skillet.

Bake the Fish

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the fish for about 10 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork. Begin checking the fish a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking, as baking times can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Once the fish is done, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley leaves over the top of the baked cod for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Mediterranean Baked Cod immediately, enjoying it hot and tender. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or rice pilaf.